5 Things You Need to Know...Township Committee Meeting

Did you miss the Oct. 18 township committee meeting? No sweat, here are the five things you need to know:

1) The second reading on an ordinance which institutes a transitional duty policy for township employees was passed unanimously. The ordinance will serve to amend Chapter 47 of the West Deptford Township Code, which previously had no formal policy for transitional duty.

The policy outlines transitional duty or “light duty” for township employees returning to work after sustaining an injury. Mayor Raymond Chintall says the policy came after a recommendation from the township’s insurance company. All employees will receive information pertaining to the  new policy in future township seminars.   

2) Mandatory background checks for recreation employees and volunteers moves one step closer to becoming a requirement in West Deptford. The committee approved the first reading of the ordinance unanimously.

The background check ordinance was first introduced at the Sept. 22 township committee meeting, but was tabled after Committeewoman Denice DiCarlo brought up several concerns regarding the initial draft.

3) Township committee authorized the refund of fees for RiverWinds Community Center after the cancellation of the Dodge Ball League. Chintall cited low enrollment as the reason for the league’s cancellation. The resolution authorizes fees totaling in $200 to be refunded.

4) Township committee discussed several issues of concern with a resolution centered on finalizing an agenda publication policy, before passing a motion to amend the policy.

The policy would make the agenda for all township committee meetings available to the committee and the public 48 hours prior to the meeting. Since agendas would go out on the Tuesday prior to each meeting, any additions to the agenda or changes would have to be submitted by Monday. Deputy Mayor Sean Kilpatrick restated that this policy does not  apply any kind of emergency resolution.

In addition, Committeeman Samuel Cianfarini also discussed if copies of PowerPoint presentations would also be required by the committee 48 hours in advance, in addition to ordinances and resolutions. Cianfarini expressed concerns that 48 hour would be too tight of a deadline for such presentations.

5) A shared service agreement with the West Deptford Board of Education and West Deptford Township will provide the schools with the use of a resource officer during the school year. A resolution for the agreement was passed unanimously by the township.